Michelle Kwan, a nine-time U.S. figure skating champion and five-time world title winner, withdrew from the Olympics in Turin, Italy, today because of a severe groin strain.
February 16, 2006 (Press Release) --
Michelle Kwan Pulls Out of Olympics Because of Injury
Feb. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Michelle Kwan, a nine-time U.S. figure skating champion and five-time world title winner, withdrew from the Olympics in Turin, Italy, today because of a severe groin strain.
Kwan, 25, didn't skate at the U.S. trials because of a previous groin injury and was only selected for the team Jan. 27 after skating in front of a panel that decided she was healthy enough to compete.
``Taking myself off the team is the most difficult decision I've ever had to make,'' Kwan said in a statement. ``But it's the right decision.''
The move may end her chances of ever winning an Olympic gold medal. The Los Angeles native won a silver and bronze in the women's competition at the last two Olympics. Her spot for the competition that begins Feb. 21 will go to Emily Hughes, the U.S. Olympic Committee said.
Kwan sustained the new injury during practice yesterday and had discomfort throughout the day. The injury continued to worsen, leading her to consult a doctor early this morning. She said standing outside for several hours during the opening ceremonies two days ago didn't help.
``This injury prevents me from skating my best, and I've said all along that if I couldn't skate to the level that I expected from myself, I'd withdraw from the team,'' Kwan said.
Medical Waiver
The berths for the games generally go to the top three finishers in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which were held in early January in St. Louis.
Kwan asked for a medical waiver, and then two weeks later performed run-throughs of her short and free programs in front of five skating officials and judges during a closed session at a rink in Artesia, California.
``It's really regrettable that on the first day of practice she sustained a new injury and is forced to withdraw,'' said Ron Hershberger, president of U.S. Figure Skating. ``She is a true champion.''
The decision to select Kwan bumped Hughes, the third-place finisher and younger sister of 2002 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes, off the team. Hughes has been contacted and will travel to Turin shortly, the USOC said.
``The Olympics is the greatest sporting event in the world and what's most important is that the United States fields the strongest team possible,'' Kwan said. ``As much as I'd love to represent the United States, I would never stand in the way of that.''
Feb. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Michelle Kwan, a nine-time U.S. figure skating champion and five-time world title winner, withdrew from the Olympics in Turin, Italy, today because of a severe groin strain.
Kwan, 25, didn't skate at the U.S. trials because of a previous groin injury and was only selected for the team Jan. 27 after skating in front of a panel that decided she was healthy enough to compete.
``Taking myself off the team is the most difficult decision I've ever had to make,'' Kwan said in a statement. ``But it's the right decision.''
The move may end her chances of ever winning an Olympic gold medal. The Los Angeles native won a silver and bronze in the women's competition at the last two Olympics. Her spot for the competition that begins Feb. 21 will go to Emily Hughes, the U.S. Olympic Committee said.
Kwan sustained the new injury during practice yesterday and had discomfort throughout the day. The injury continued to worsen, leading her to consult a doctor early this morning. She said standing outside for several hours during the opening ceremonies two days ago didn't help.
``This injury prevents me from skating my best, and I've said all along that if I couldn't skate to the level that I expected from myself, I'd withdraw from the team,'' Kwan said.
Medical Waiver
The berths for the games generally go to the top three finishers in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, which were held in early January in St. Louis.
Kwan asked for a medical waiver, and then two weeks later performed run-throughs of her short and free programs in front of five skating officials and judges during a closed session at a rink in Artesia, California.
``It's really regrettable that on the first day of practice she sustained a new injury and is forced to withdraw,'' said Ron Hershberger, president of U.S. Figure Skating. ``She is a true champion.''
The decision to select Kwan bumped Hughes, the third-place finisher and younger sister of 2002 Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes, off the team. Hughes has been contacted and will travel to Turin shortly, the USOC said.
``The Olympics is the greatest sporting event in the world and what's most important is that the United States fields the strongest team possible,'' Kwan said. ``As much as I'd love to represent the United States, I would never stand in the way of that.''
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